By Jesslyn Keith Valite

In the aftermath of typhoon Carina, President Shirley C. Agrupis responsively led the MMSU community in environmental rehabilitation efforts through the annual tree-planting activity held on July 25.

The initiative underscores the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability and creating a greener future by enhancing micro-climate zones on university campuses. 

Despite the inclement weather and the activity coinciding with her 60th birthday, President Agrupis expressed her enthusiasm stating, “Leadership is not complete without sacrifice.” She added that by transforming our campuses into green havens, “we aim to set a precedent for how educational institutions can lead in climate action and contribute to ecological resilience.”

This year, the focus was on rehabilitating the university peripheral road along the west section of the MMSU-CARES Farm with native fruit-bearing trees. A total of 60 individuals of kamagong (𝘋𝘪𝘰𝘴𝘱𝘺𝘳𝘰𝘴 𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴) were planted to provide a future bounty for the university community to enjoy.

The event, organized by the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development, was participated by former MMSU President Santiago R. Obien, administrative council members, office chiefs, faculty members, staff, and selected students. 
The tree planting activity is a long-term commitment of MMSU to sustain a vibrant campus environment for the future. This proactive approach serves as a powerful demonstration that collective action can lead to significant positive environmental outcomes.